Go to main content

Miller's Rock 'N' Roll Cans Lack Color

August 18, 2004 | Other
A Miller Brewing promotion celebrating the "50th Anniversary of Rock 'n' Roll" has Rolling Stone cover shots of Elvis Presley, Blondie and others on eight commemorative beer cans. What's missing is a black artist according to Robert Thompson, a professor of pop culture at Syracuse University, said the absence is "beyond conspicuous" since black artists often are credited with inventing rock 'n' roll.

Gary Armstrong, chief marketing officer for Rolling Stone publisher Wenner Media, said race wasn't a consideration when choosing the artists. "We didn't even consciously think pro or con, the same way that the only woman on there is Blondie. We just went with the people that we thought were appropriate," he said. "We went through (the covers) and said these people we don't think are appropriate or wouldn't appeal to Miller drinkers."Armstrong noted Rolling Stone wasn't around for the birth of rock 'n' roll - it was first published in 1967 - when many formative black artists of the genre emerged. And many artists who appeared on covers balked at being associated with a promotion involving alcohol, he said.

Updated August 20, 2004:

Miller Brewing Co. apologized Thursday for failing to include any black artists on its series of commemorative rock 'n' roll cans.

"African Americans obviously have played a formative role in the development of rock 'n' roll, and despite our efforts, we did not manage this component of the promotion appropriately," the company said in a statement late Thursday "to the African-American community, to music fans and to our valued consumers."
Source:Google
Kenneth wrote on August 19, 2004
doctor,if 'ELVIS' were to choose black artists for this huge mistake,he would have gone for the likes of 'fats domino' or 'jackie wilson' among others,but jimmi hendrix?i don't think so.i go along with the rest of what you say. 'blondie?.
Kenneth wrote on August 21, 2004
right. and well said doctor.
doctor wrote on August 19, 2004
Nice try. i'm sure elvis himself would agree that black artists should have been included, he always gave credit where credit was due.how about jimmi hendrix? i'm sure he made the cover ... and why did it have to be a cover only? if they had gone with strictly pictures of rock pioneers, they could have(and should have) included chuck berry, little richard, clyde mcphatter... it's just another example of due credit not being given to those who deserve it. they can keep their cans of beer.
doctor wrote on August 20, 2004
good point kenneth. i hadn't meant it as it being elvis' choices per se, but jackie wilson would be at the top of his list, were it elvis choosing. i just think elvis would be upset that 50 years on, certain parts of society still cannot get past certain issues. i remember the story when elvis threatened not to go to dallas if they wouldn't let the sweet inspirations perform with him. among many things i love about elvis, i love the fact that economic and ethnic issues were totally irrelevant to him. then again, he never forgot that one room home he was born in, neither did he worry about how much money he left behind, he spent it while he lived and helped many. and "that's someone you never forget", right? (: